California AG Bonta Appeals Ruling in Exxon Defamation Suit (1)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) is appealing a court ruling denying him immunity in a defamation lawsuit brought by Exxon Mobil Corp. over statements he made regarding the company’s plastics recycling efforts.

A federal judge last week rejected Bonta’s argument that he shouldn’t be held liable for claims he made in an alleged email to Texas residents where he accused Exxon of lying about its advanced recycling of plastic products. Judge Michael J. Truncale ruled that Bonta, despite being a public official, isn’t immune from Exxon’s suit given the email the company claims Bonta sent also had a campaign ...